Ellen May: A Band Redefining the Emo/Pop Punk Landscape in Perth, Western Australia

If you’ve found yourself craving that nostalgic blend of emo and pop-punk, look no further than Ellen May, a band that’s making waves from the sun-soaked streets of Perth, Western Australia. Combining the emotional depth of emo with the energetic drive of pop-punk, Ellen May is a project that feels like a breath of fresh air in an often oversaturated scene.

The band’s journey took a notable turn on March 1st, 2024, with the release of their highly anticipated EP, A Lonely Way to Go. This record is more than just a collection of songs—it's an intimate snapshot of a band that’s growing and maturing both sonically and emotionally. Filled with infectious, crunchy riffs and laced with intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics, A Lonely Way to Go strikes a perfect balance between catchy melodies and raw, unfiltered emotion. The EP taps into themes of isolation, self-reflection, and personal growth, resonating with anyone who’s ever been caught in the tangled web of life’s challenges.

But perhaps the true standout of Ellen May’s trajectory came shortly after the EP dropped. The band released Bombs Away, a single that truly showcased their evolution. This track marked a significant step forward in terms of both maturity and professionalism, exhibiting a newfound polish and sophistication in their sound. Bombs Away hits you hard with its punchy riffs and heartfelt lyrics, and I personally find myself coming back to this track often. It’s the kind of song that encapsulates the highs and lows of life in a way that feels deeply relatable—and the more you listen, the more you find yourself immersed in its world. It’s impossible not to feel nostalgic when Ellen May takes you back to those angsty days, yet there’s something undeniably fresh about the way they do it.

What I find so refreshing about Ellen May is the way they bridge the gap between classic pop-punk energy and the introspective nature of modern emo. Their songs aren’t just catchy; they have a depth to them that elevates them above the typical sound that can sometimes dominate the genre. It’s clear that their influences—such as bands like Hot Mulligan and The Wonder Years—are present in their sound, but rather than simply mimicking what’s been done before, Ellen May has managed to carve out their own identity within the scene. They are, without a doubt, paving their own path.

One of the band’s defining traits is their unrelenting stage presence. Watching them live feels like you’ve been transported back to the golden age of pop-punk, when bands were all about direct connection with the crowd. Ellen May doesn’t just play their songs—they share their stories with their audience in a way that’s raw, personal, and incredibly engaging. It’s not hard to imagine them playing sweaty, packed venues where every lyric is sung back by fans who feel every word. There’s a certain intimacy to their performances that is often lost in today’s larger, more impersonal shows, and it’s a quality that sets them apart.

Ellen May has already garnered some serious attention, with tracks like Back to the Start earning a spot on Triple J's Short.Fast.Loud—a huge achievement for any band, let alone one that’s still finding its footing in the industry. But despite these early successes, it’s clear the band has much more to offer. They aren’t just another flash-in-the-pan band riding on nostalgia or gimmicks; they’re crafting something that will stand the test of time. The blend of classic pop-punk influences with a modern, introspective edge positions them as an exciting force within the genre.

In a time when pop-punk and emo can sometimes feel formulaic, Ellen May is refreshing and unique. Their sound and ethos are undeniably tied to the past, but they’re not confined by it. Rather than simply fitting into the trends, they’re confidently carving out their own space. If you haven’t already, it’s time to dive into their world. With every release, they prove they’re a band worth keeping an eye on for years to come.

So, if you’re in the mood for a little bit of nostalgia with a modern twist, give Ellen May a listen. Trust me, you won’t regret it.